Highlights from Clinic to Community: Connecting Providers to Food Justice in the Twin Cities
On October 15, ABH hosted an Evening with ABH: Advancing Food Justice in the Twin Cities, a conversation exploring how local organizations are addressing food inequities and building healthier, more equitable food systems. With looming cuts to SNAP and other food assistance programs, it’s more important than ever for healthcare providers to understand how these changes will affect their patients and to speak up with elected officials about the real world consequences for health and wellbeing.
Our featured speakers included:
Anne Hill, Executive Director of Twin Cities Food Justice;
Anna Irmiter, Director of Programs at Open Arms of Minnesota; and
Mara Wack, Development Manager at Neighborhood Roots.
Together, they shared how their organizations are tackling food insecurity—from recovering surplus food and distributing it to those in need, to preparing medically tailored meals, to creating vibrant farmers markets that connect local growers and communities. We were joined by a fantastic group of interdisciplinary health professionals at all stages of their careers, as well as partners from across the Twin Cities food justice community.
As the evening came to a close, we asked our speakers what gives them hope amid ongoing challenges to food security. Their answers were both inspiring and grounding: being in community with like-minded advocates, building solutions centered on equity and collaboration, and seeing the resilience that grows when people come together to care for one another.
Thank you to our incredible guest speakers, community partners, and attendees for making this event such a meaningful evening of learning, reflection, and connection. We’re already looking forward to our next Evening with ABH event coming in January 2026 focused on reproductive health. We hope to see you there!